Handwoven ruffled coat. Karen Gelbard’s unique one-of-a-kind garments reflect the colors, textures and experiences of the world around her.

Karen Gelbard makes it a practice to live life with her senses wide open—keenly observing and translating daily experiences into the extraordinary fabric she weaves. Since the 1970s, Karen, known as The Oregon Weaver, has been working in her Tillamook Coast studio creating original textiles for her sought-after, one-of-a-kind garments. Her talent and skills also allow her to participate in regionally unique projects like weaving restoration fabric for Timberline Lodge.

Since childhood, this largely self-taught weaver has been creating and seeking the next artistic challenge. Studying violin in high school, Karen became familiar with the sensory feeling of strings and reading music. She learned that making music is about interpreting the notes and pouring one’s heart and soul into artistic expression. She takes that same idea into her weaving.

Lorraine Ortiz has made her home at the Art Ranch, in Nehalem on the rural Tillamook Coast for the last 25 years. Her passion for the arts, writing and the environment continue to shape her work and her life choices.